Charlie Park investigation continuing

Homicide Squad detectives were in Kalgoorlie-Boulder yesterday investigating the disappearance and suspected murder of Charlie Park.

Police yesterday told the Kalgoorlie Miner detectives were in the Goldfields capital conducting “various inquiries”, including the disappearance of Mr Park.

However, they refused to provide further details.

Mr Park was 66 when he was last seen in Boulder on January 3, 2012, after walking home with a friend following drinks at the Recreation Hotel.

Mr Park’s brother-in-law Bob Gregory said it was frustrating police had arrived without warning, but the family took comfort from knowing the case had not gone “cold”.

“I very much understand that they can’t tell us anything about the investigation, but it would just be nice to know that they are coming, even though we do know now,” he said.

“It gives you hope.”

Family and friends of Mr Park were also filled with hope when detectives arrived in the mining hub in November.

Although there have been no reported developments, detectives were back in Kalgoorlie-Boulder less than a month after family and friends took to the streets and the favoured watering holes of Mr Park, wearing shirts urging people with information to come forward.

Mr Gregory, who knew Mr Park for close to 50 years before he disappeared, said although he was confident Mr Park was dead, the family wanted closure.

“I personally know he’s not coming back — we won’t see him again,” he said.

“That’s my personal opinion and all the family members I speak to have the same thoughts.”

“Charlie worked all his life, he deserves to have a proper burial,” he said.

Mr Gregory said he suspected “foul-play” and could not understand why anyone would want to hurt Mr Park.

“He was a likeable bloke, he would never hurt anyone,” he said.

“He would actually do people favours rather than see them down.

“I am just lost for words – baffled.”

Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to report the information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopp erswa.com.au.